Laminated fan ring for cooling towers



June 15, 1954 MARLT 2,681,178

LAMINATED FAN RING FOR COOLING TOWERS Filed April 24, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Lea/2 TMa/v June 15, 1954 T MART 2,681,178

LAMINATED FAN RING FOR COOLING TOWERS Filed April 24, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 u v lll'l i I v ig llllllllllll INVEN TOR. Leo/7 71' Man? flTTOR EK Patented June 15, 1954 UNITED STATES OFFICE LAMINATED FAN RING FOR COOLING T-OWERS Leon T. Mart, Mission Township, Johnson County,

Kans., assignor to The Marley Company,

Inc.,

4 Claims.

This invention relates broadly to the field of heating and ventilation, the primary object being to provide in cooling tower construction, a novel fan ring in the nature of a tubular body wherein the walls thereof are formed by laminations throughout the length of the body and so laid as to present a flared portion in the body at one side of the fan.

It is the most important object of the present invention to provid a laminated, tubular body having a pluralit of layers of sheet material so arranged at one end thereof in a plurality of telescoped bands as to present a flared construction slightly greater in diameter than th fan blade at one end thereof and progressively increasing in diameter as the opposite end of the flared portion is approached.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tubular body consisting of laminated wall construction having at one end thereof a number of relatively telescoped continuous bands, the bands progressively decreasing in diameter as one end of the flared portion of the body is approached and being stepped, whereby to present such flared portion in the body.

A further object of the present invention relates to the provision of a cooling tower fan ring having a number of telescoped bands of progressively decreased diameter, wherein the edges of the bands are spaced-apart and the distance between such edges progressively increase as the smaller end of the flared portion of the body is approached.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a cooling tower fan blade tubular body having the aforesaid laminated bands intermediate the ends of the body of an increased width whereby to present needed strength while maintaining the desired curvature of the flared portion adjacent its smallest diameter.

Other more minor objects will be made clear or become apparent as the following specification progresses, reference being had to the accompanyin drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a laminated fan ring for cooling towers made in accordance with my present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical,

substantially central, cross-sectionaI view taken on line II--II of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view showing the supporting or guiding framework utilized in producing a fan ring of the kind illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2; and Fig. 4 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view 2 taken on line IV-IV of Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows.

The advantages of the fan ring about to be described and its method of manufacture relating to saving in costs not only with respect to the material utilized, but time and expense in manufacture will become apparent upon an understanding of the construction thereof and if the fan throat construction is made as hereinafter specified, the advantages emanating therefrom will becom apparent to those skilled in the art.

One form of cooling tower fan commonly employed in the field of air conditioning and analogous arts, is illustrated in the drawing and designated by the numeral ii). Fan HI is mounted for rotation on a vertical axis through the medium of a plurality of brackets I2 of any suitable character that are in turn secured upon the innermost face of a tubular body broadly designated by the numeral It.

It is this body i l and its method of manufacture that forms the subject matter hereof and as clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, body M has a substantially, cylindrical, uppermost portion 16 and a circular, flared lowermost portion l8. However, it has been found most advantageous in cooling tower fan rings, to circumscribe fan It with little clearance between the innermost face of body It and the outermost tips of the fan l0.

It is noted in Fig. 2 of the drawings, that body [4 is formed in its entirety through use of laminations or superimposed layers of sheet material that are suitably interconnected in a particular manner to form the cylindrical portion 16 and the portion [8 that flares outwardly as the lowermost end of body VI 6 is approached.

Referring first to the annular Wall of uppermost body portion [6, it is seen that there is provided a plurality of superimposed or relatively telescoped layers 29 extending throughout the entire vertical length of body portion l6. While four such layers 26 are illustrated in Fig. 2, it is obvious that the number of layers 20 may be increased or decreased as desired to suit the needs of the manufacturer, but that in any event, each layer 28 is composed of a plurality of vertically superimposed continuous bands or rings broadly designated by the numeral 22.

It is noted that the bands 22 of each layer 20 thereof, are arranged in edge-to-edge abutting relationship, each band 22 therefore, being in underlying supporting relationship to the band 22 next above.

Each band 22 in turn comprises a plurality of elongated, arcuate segments 24 arranged in end-to-end abutting relationship. As will hereinafter be made clear the segments 24 comprise initially flat strips of sheet material that are formed into the arcuate contour illustrated as the body It is assembled and in this connection, it is contemplated that such strips of material for forming segments 24, comprise a relatively strong, yet bendable wood material, although it is to be understood that the composiiton of such strips of material may be varied within the scope of this invention as desired. It has been found however, that in the interest of lightness, ease of handling and reduction in cost of manufacture, segments 24 should be formed from a suitable redwood, readily obtainable upon the open market. Such material is advantageous because of the fact that it is highly resistant to the elements and is not appreciably affected by moisture particularly, thereby further decreasing the cost of manufacture because of the fact that paint or other protective coatings are not needed.

Fig. 2 of the drawings clearly illustrates additionally, that all of the joints 2!; of each band 22 between segments 24, are offset with respect to the joints 2B of the band 22 immediately therebelow and thereabove.

Additionally, the joints 26 of each layer are offset with respect to the joints 255 of adjacent layers. Similarly, joints 28 between the bands '22 of'each layer 29 are offset with respect to the joints 28 of adjacent layers 29.

Referring now to the flared portion it of body M, a plurality of relatively narrow, annular bands 39 are arranged in telescoping relationship commencing from the lowermost end of body 14. Annular bands 31], like bands 22, each comprise a number of arcuate, end-to-end abutting segments 32, formed from initially fiat, elongated strips of sheet material. Similarly, joints 34 between segments 32 of each band 35, are

offset with respect to the joints 3% of adjacent bands 30. Commencing with the lowermost band 36 of flared portion :8, bands 39 progressively decrease in diameter as the uppermost band 38 is approached. Furthermore, the bands 36 are all arranged in stepped relationship with the uppermost and lowermost edges 35 and 38 respectively of bands 38 in substantial parallelism. The stepped arrangement is produced by slightly raising each band as the uppermost band 3!! is approached, each edge 36 therefore being spaced apart from the proximal edge 36 of adjacent bands 30. Since the bands 30 are of identical width, such spacing, is on the innermost concave surface of body portion Hi. It is notable further, that such spacing between horizontal edges of the bands 32, progressively increases as the uppermost band 36 is approached. The flared contour of that body portion l8 defined by bands 38 is generally uniform, but as the body portion 15 is approached, such curvature is radically increased, necessitating the utilization therefore of a plurality of telescoped and stepped bands 4! that are appreciably wider than the bands 30. Here again, as in the case of the bands 30, a plurality of arcuate, abutting segments 42 are provided to produce bands and their abutting joints are in offset relationship. Furthermore, as in the case of the bands 39, all proximal edges of the bands 40 are spaced-apart to present the stepped contour and the spacing between such edges progressively increases as the body section I6 is approached. It is seen that through use of the relatively wide bands 40, an increased overlapping is presented between the plurality of laminated layers presenting a relatively strong mid-section at the point of increased curvature.

Bands 22, 30 and 40 are all suitably interconnected in any desired manner, it being contemplated that bolts or nails, preferably the latter, should be used and that such fastening elements be of a nature that will withstandcorrosion for a considerable period of time. Obviously, the uppermost band 30 is joined directly to the lowermost band 48 over which it is telescoped and the uppermost band 40 is joined to and interlocked with the laminated layers 20 of body section H3 to present a unitary, upright, self-sustaining structure.

An annular ring M, also preferably made from a plurality of layers, each including a number of abutting arcuate segments, completely circumscribes the body portion i6 adjacent the uppermost end thereof and is secured thereto through the medium of bolts or the like 46.

A similar ring 48 completely circumscribes the lowermost band 30 of body portion l8 and is suitably secured thereto. Band 28 rests directly upon the perforated top wall of the cooling tower housing 56 and is secured thereto through the medium of a plurality of bolts 52. It is noted that the fan In is disposed with its horizontal plane directly above the uppermost edge of flared body portion 18 and within the cylindrical body portion It, but it is to be understood that the positioning of fan Ill, through use of the brackets 12, may be varied as desired.

One of the preferred methods of manufacture of a cooling tower fan throat or ring of the kind just above described, is through use of structure illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 and includes a supporting framework that is initially set up and that is broadly designated by the numeral as. Framework 54 includes a central hub member 55 and a plurality of separable independent forming fixtures 58. The hub member 56 constitutes a horizontal plate centrally perforated as at 60 and provided with a plurality of pairs of upstanding, perforated bosses 62. Bosses 62 are as illustrated, arranged in an annular path and equi-distantly spaced about the periphery of hub 58 and upon the uppermost face thereof. Each of the fixtures includes an elongated horizontal member 64, an upright, angularly disposed forming member 65 and an angularly arranged brace 68. One edge if} of each upright forming member 66, is longitudinally curved as shown in Fig. 4 to conform to the desired shape of the structure shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and is secured directly to one end of the corresponding member 64. The opposite end of each horizontal member 64 is releasably joined with the hub 56 between corresponding upstanding bosses 62 by means of suitable pins 12. A stack or the like 14, holds the hub 56 in a stationary position while the framework 54 is placed in use.

In utilizing framework 54 to produce the cooling tower ring above described, the lowermost and innermost band 22 of body portion 16 is first nailed or otherwise secured directly to ,all of the forming members 86 on the arcuate edges l6 thereof and intermediate the ends of forming members 66 as illustrated, such tarting" band 22 being designated broadly by the numeral '56. Next, the remaining bands 22 of the innermost layer 28, are superimposed upon the starting band 16 and also secured directly to the forming members 65. From this point, the remaining layers 26 and all of the bands 33 and 49, are progressively laid in place and interconnected by nailing or the like, without securing the same in any way to the forming members 66. However, as the bands 39 and 4B are laid, the arcuate edges E0 of members 66 below starting band Hi, serve as a guide and determine the flared contour of the body portion i8. As soon as all of the bands are laid and interconnected, the framework 54 is disassembled and the forming members 66 are all pulled loose from the band 16 and the bands 22 thereabove. The entire finished body i4 is thereupon ready for positioning upon the cooling tower 50 and the rings 44 and 48 are placed thereon for securing the body it in place through use of bolts 52.

It is appreciated from the foregoing that a fan ring for cooling towers of the aforementioned character, can be quickly and inexpensively manufactured at the point of use ready for final attachment to the cooling tower proper. All of the component parts of the ring can be shipped and hauled to the point of assembling in a flat condition, since as above set forth, each segment for each band and layer constitutes an initially flat, elongated strip of sheet material. Virtually all that is needed in addition to such sheets of material to complete the assembly, is a supply of nails or like fastening elements. Likewise the framework 54 is of such nature as to permit quick assembly and since the same is readily collapsible, the parts thereof can also be transported with ease. Complicated and inexpensive dies and fixtures are not needed to produce the fan ring hereof and since the entire assembly is exceedingly light in weight, transportation costs are reduced to a minimum. It is noted that the 1aminated nature of the walls forming the ring, present an extremely sturdy structure that is capable of withstanding considerable stress and high winds that predominate in relatively high towers commonly used in this field.

It is to be appreciated further, that precise details of construction of the ring itself and variances in the steps of manufacture, may well be changed within the spirit of this invention and it is therefore, desired to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A fan ring for cooling towers comprising a tubular body including a plurality of relatively telescoped bands, said bands progressively decreasing in diameter as one end of the body is approached, each edge of each band being in spaced parallelism with the proximal edge of the band next adjacent thereto, whereby to form a flared portion in the body, the vertical distance between said edges of the bands progressively increasing as said one end of the body is approached for rendering said flared portion arcuate.

2. In a fan ring for cooling towers, a tubular body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion comprising a plurality of interconnected, annular bands progressively decreasing in diameter as said upper portion is approached, said bands being telescopically arranged in concentric, interengaging relationship,

each band having a downwardly facing, innermost annular edge, said edges being in separate horizontal planes, the vertical distances between said planes progressively increasing as said upper portion is approached whereby said body is provided with an inner surface curving downwardly and outwardly as the lowermost end of said lower portion is approached.

3. In a fan ring for cooling towers, a tubular body having an upper portion, a central portion, and a lower portion, said central portion and said lower portion each comprising a plurality of interconnected, annular bands progressively decreasing in diameter as said upper portion is approached, said bands being telescopically arranged in concentric, interengaging relationship, each band having a downwardly facing, innermost annular edge, said edges being in separate horizontal planes, the vertical distances between said planes progressively increasing as said upper portion is approached whereby said body is provided with an inner surface curving downwardly and outwardly as the lowermost end of said lower portion is approached, the width of the bands of the central portion being greater than the width of the bands of the lower portion whereby to reinforce the body between the upper portion and the lower portion.

4. In a fan ring for cooling towers, a tubular body having an upper portion, a central portion, and a lower portion, said central portion and said lower portion each comprising a plurality of interconnected, annular bands progressively decreasing in diameter as said upper portion is approached, said bands being telescopically arranged in concentric, interengaging relationship, each band having a downwardly facing, innermost annular edge, said edges being in separate horizontal planes, the vertical distances between said planes progressively increasing as said upper portion is approached whereby said body is provided with an inner surface curving downwardly and outwardly as the lowermost end of said lower portion is approached, the width of the bands of the central portion being greater than the width of the bands of the lower portion whereby to reinforce the body between the upper portion and the lower portion, the bands of the lower portion being of equal widths whereby the outer surface of the lower portion conforms in configuration to the inner surface thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,932,564 Tebyrica Oct. 31, 1933 1,955,250 Ogden Apr. 17, 1934 1,965,736 Dillman July 10, 1934 1,978,459 Hegan Oct. 30, 1934 2,085,441 Murray June 29, 1937 2,287,197 Sandberg June 23, 1942 2,304,354 Harvey Dec. 8, 1942 2,466,827 Roth Apr. 12, 1949 2,524,390 Laubach Oct. 3, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 550 Great Britain of 1897 

